While dogs are truly man’s best friend and their unconditional love is a staple in American households, they can also be dangerous animals, especially around children.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 4.7 million people a year are bitten by dogs. Of that, 800,000 people seek medical attention, and half of them are children. The rate of dog bite-related injuries is highest for children ages 5 to 9.
Parents should consult with a professional veterinarian or dog breeder to learn about suitable dog breeds for their household. Dogs with histories of aggression, no matter how cute, are inappropriate in homes with children.
The following guidelines and tips can help parents make the right pet choice, to aid proper care, and to help keep their children safe in the presence of dogs:
- Before buying a dog, be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful or apprehensive about a dog. If so, delay getting a dog.
- Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it. Use caution when bringing a dog into the home of an infant or toddler.
- Spay/neuter all dogs, as this frequently reduces aggressive tendencies.
- Never leave infants or young children alone with any dog.
- Do not play aggressive games with your dog (e.g., wrestling).
- Properly socialize and train any dog entering the household. Teach the dog submissive behaviors (e.g., rolling over to expose abdomen and relinquishing food without growling).
- Immediately seek professional advice (e.g., from veterinarians, animal behaviorists, or responsible breeders) if the dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors.
It is also critical for parents to teach children basic safety around dogs, and to review these guidelines regularly:
Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
Never provoke a dog.
Do not run from a dog and scream.
Remain motionless (e.g., "be still like a tree") when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (e.g., "be still like a log").
Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
Immediately report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior to an adult.
Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
Do not disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
Parents should remind their children to immediately find an adult if they are bitten by a dog. Even the smallest wounds can be dangerous to a child’s health.